JavaScript Security

Like nearly any programming language, JavaScript is not without its share of potential security exposures. Exploiting JavaScript vulnerabilities can manipulate data, redirect sessions, modify and steal data, and much more. Although JavaScript is typically thought of as a client-side application, JavaScript security issues can create problems on server-side environments as well.

The best defense against common JavaScript security vulnerabilities is to be aware of them and implement the proper controls to reduce exposure.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common JavaScript vulnerabilities and how to prevent them through popular modern security approaches combined with testing tools (e.g., auditing and code analysis tools, JavaScript vulnerability scanner, etc.).

JavaScript security is related to investigating, preventing, protecting, and resolving security issues in applications where JavaScript is used. Most common JavaScript vulnerabilities include Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), malicious code, Man-in-the-middle attack, and exploiting vulnerabilities in the source code of web applications.

JavaScript itself is a fundamental technology for building web applications and is also very popular for building server-side, desktop, and even mobile applications. Its widespread popularity, however, also makes it a prime target for hackers, looking to target it through various attack vectors. Because JavaScript is used mostly in the front-end, it makes sense to focus first on JavaScript security issues in browsers.

Software vendors have also recognized these JavaScript security issues, reacting with JavaScript security scanner software and a variety of JavaScript security testing tools that make applications more secure and greatly reduce JavaScript security risks.